Women Who Build clothing exchange driven by generosity, community & a desire to make an impact

The Corporate chapter of Women Who Build (WWB) recently brought together ONE team members from across Raleigh for a clothing ex - change benefiting a long-time Martin Marietta charitable partner.

The Corporate chapter of Women Who Build (WWB) recently brought together ONE team members from across Raleigh for a clothing exchange benefiting a long-time Martin Marietta charitable partner.

Donations poured in for Dress for Success Triangle, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women advance toward economic independence, as volunteers in Martin Marietta’s corporate office collected clothing and monetary contributions throughout February. During a charity event later in the month, the donated clothing was available for sale and exchange.

Thanks to the dedication of event volunteers and the generosity of team members from the Corporate, East Division and Specialties Division offices, the WWB ultimately collected more than 550 clothing items and raised a significant sum for the charity.

WWB Co-Leader and Fulfillment Systems Manager Julie Barrett said she was moved by those who donated as well as the dozens of colleagues who took time out of their personal schedules to help the event run smoothly.

“A team member told me how excited they were to shop after cleaning out their own closet for those in need. That generosity, that mindfulness, really embodies what this event was about,” she said. “My favorite part was standing back, seeing everything set up and knowing every detail was the result of volunteer efforts.”

The mission behind the partnership with Dress for Success Triangle is especially meaningful to WWB, which includes support for women in the workplace as a key element of its charter.

Barrett emphasized how closely the nonprofit aligns with WWB’s focus on uplifting women, particularly in overcoming invisible barriers such as the cost of professional clothing and the confidence gap that sometimes arises when one feels as though they don’t belong.

“Dress for Success helps ensure that when women walk into a new office or job site, they aren’t just fitting in, they’re being embraced as the experts they are,” Barrett said.

HR Senior Project Manager Christa Allen, a WWB member who played an active role in the project, said the clothing exchange was memorable and energizing.

“After we set up the event, it was incredible to look across the room and see our hard work on display. We were thoughtful about the experience we wanted to create, and the fine details truly shone through,” she said. “I loved seeing the teamwork. We can accomplish so much when we work together as ONE.”

Both Barrett and Allen agreed that beyond supporting Dress for Success Triangle, the event underscored several of Martin Marietta’s core values, including community and stewardship.

“By facilitating the exchange, WWB helped extend the lifecycle of clothing items, reduce waste and support a circular economy,” Barrett said. “Events like this strengthen both the workplace and the broader community.”